Vidhi Codex

The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976

The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976

General197651 sections

This legislation regulates the ownership and transfer of vacant land in major urban areas across specified Indian states and union territories. It applies to individuals, families, firms, companies, and private trusts holding urban land. The law establishes upper ceiling limits on vacant land ownership based on urban categorizations, mandating the declaration and government acquisition of excess land to prevent concentration in a few hands and curb land speculation. It matters because it seeks to ensure the equitable distribution of urban land to subserve the common good, promote orderly urban development, and facilitate the construction of affordable housing for weaker economic sections.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, application and commencement
  2. 2. Definitions
  3. 3. Persons not entitled to hold vacant land in excess of the ceiling limit
  4. 4. Ceiling limit
  5. 5. Transfer of vacant land
  6. 6. Persons holding vacant land in excess of ceiling limit to file statement
  7. 7. Filing of statement in cases where vacant land held by a person is situated within the jurisdiction of two or more competent authorities
  8. 8. Preparation of draft statement as regards vacant land held in excess of ceiling limit
  9. 9. Final statement
  10. 10. Acquisition of vacant land in excess of ceiling limit
  11. 11. Payment of amount for vacant land acquired
  12. 12. Constitution of Urban Land Tribunal and appeal to Urban Land Tribunal
  13. 13. Second appeal to High Court
  14. 14. Mode of payment of amount
  15. 15. Ceiling limit on future acquisition by inheritance, request or by sale in execution of decrees, etc.
  16. 16. Certain persons to file statements when the Act is adopted subsequently by any State
  17. 17. Power to enter upon any vacant land
  18. 18. Penalty for concealment, etc., of particulars of vacant land
  19. 19. Certain vacant lands not to apply
  20. 20. Power to exempt
  21. 21. Excess vacant land not to be treated as excess in certain cases
  22. 22. Retention of vacant land under certain circumstances
  23. 23. Disposal of vacant land acquired under the Act
  24. 24. Special provisions regarding disposal of vacant lands in favour of certain persons
  25. 25. Definition
  26. 26. Notice to be given before transfer of vacant lands
  27. 27. Prohibition on transfer of urban property
  28. 28. Regulation of registration of documents in certain cases
  29. 29. Regulation of construction of buildings with dwelling units
  30. 30. Demolition and stoppage of buildings in certain cases and appeal
  31. 31. Powers of competent authority
  32. 32. Jurisdiction of competent authorities and Tribunals in special cases
  33. 33. Appeal
  34. 34. Revision by State Government
  35. 35. Power of State Government to issue orders and directions to the competent authority
  36. 36. Power to give directions to State Government
  37. 37. Returns and reports
  38. 38. Offences and punishments
  39. 39. Offences by companies
  40. 40. Indemnity
  41. 41. Cognizance of offences
  42. 42. Act to override other laws
  43. 43. Court-fees
  44. 44. Certain officers to be public servants
  45. 45. Correction of clerical errors
  46. 46. Power to make rules
  47. 47. Power to remove difficulties
  48. GeneralExplanation. Explanation to Section 33
  49. Schedule I. Schedule I
  50. Schedule. Schedule [List of Towns, Peripheral Areas and Categories]
  51. Schedule 2. PRINCIPLES FOR DETERMINATION OF THE NET AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME

PDF: pending for this language.